LUKE Walsh feared his career was over in 2014 when he suffered a compound fracture in his leg.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
He contemplated giving the game away completely when his days as a rugby league professional came to an end last year.
But now, back at junior club Western Suburbs and having been crowned Newcastle RL player of the year this week, the former NRL and English Super League halfback reckons he's got a few more seasons left in him yet.
"If the body holds up alright," Walsh told the Newcastle Herald after receiving the 2019 award.
"I feel fine at the moment. I wish I had of felt like this when I was playing professional, might have got a couple of more years out.
"But I'll play [here at Wests] for another two or three."
The 32-year-old said he felt "humbled" to collect the competition's top individual gong and join the honour roll alongside a few former Knights, including 2007 teammate Nathan Hinton.
However, he'd trade in the personal accolade to hold aloft the premiership trophy with brother Ryan and childhood friend Warren Schillings following next Sunday's grand final at McDonald Jones Stadium.
"They're great individual awards, but the main goal is to win that grand final and nothing has changed," Walsh said.
Walsh, who also picked up players' player and top points scorer at Wednesday night's presentation, said his role has been "pretty easy" given the depth of talent in the Rosellas squad.
Wests dominated the Newcastle RL awards with Matt Lantry named coach of the year for a third time since 2014, Alex Langbridge best rep player and Ryan Walker getting most tries (19).
The Rosellas also collected silverware for the club championship and first grade minor premiership.
